"Kkomjangeo," known as "meokjangeo" or "gomjangeo" in standard Korean, is called "kkoejangeo" or "mukjangeo" depending on the region and is a delicacy and health food enjoyed regardless of the season. Rich in protein, fat, and Vitamin A, as well as having a high collagen content, it is considered a favorite among women. Gomjangeo caught in traps near Jeju and the South Sea are so popular that they occupy an entire alley in Busan's Jagalchi Market. Amidst the rows of shops, there is one place packed with crowds: none other than the original 73-year-old, third-generation Mom's House Charcoal Grilled Gomjangeo. At the heart of this history, spanning three generations, lies the dedication of CEO Lee Mi-sook, who has been running the business for over 15 years since taking over from her mother. Procuring the freshest domestic gomjangeo every day is a given; she personally skins and cleans them, then pre-grills them over charcoal made from palm trees before serving. Her dedication is remarkable; despite her limited mobility, she grills them on a grate outside the restaurant regardless of rain or snow. The spicy seasoned grilled eel, flavored with five special spices, is stir-fried on a hot plate, whereas the salt-grilled eel, which is clean and even sweet without any added seasoning, offers the fun of grilling it over a charcoal grill. If you order a medium-sized or larger eel, you can enjoy both the salt-grilled and seasoned versions.

Korean food type

47-2 , Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan

Tel 0507-1417-2209

Opening Hours 10:30-22:30, Closed on the last Wednesday of every month

Edit Alex Oh

Photograph Kihun Jung